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DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE contributes $50,000 for emergency aid in Chile

MONTREAL, March 2 /CNW Telbec/ - The international development organization DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE is contributing $50,000 for emergency relief efforts in Chile, which was struck by a hard-hitting 8.8 magnitude earthquake on Saturday, February 27th.

The earthquake has affected some of the poorest regions in the country and has left 2 million people in need of aid. It is estimated that 1.5 million homes have been destroyed.

As part of the Caritas Internationalis federation, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE will provide funds for emergency relief operations being coordinated by local partner Caritas Chile, which is distributing food through its network in the country. Caritas has also sent a search and rescue team to help find survivors trapped under rubble.

"Caritas Chile is working in coordination with governmental and civil society organisations in establishing a national help network, in spite of enormous communications difficulties," reported Caritas Chile Director Lorenzo Figueroa.

DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE will be accepting donations from Canadians to further help with this emergency response. The organization's annual fundraising drive is currently underway with the goal of raising $10 million, with 10 percent of money raised set aside for emergency relief operations.

Donations can be made by telephone (1 888 664-3387), online (www.devp.org) or by sending a cheque made out to DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE and indicating Earthquake Chile to: